49ers take a step back defensively

by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer

(12/21/14) After allowing an average of 16.6 points on 308.4 yards in their previous five games, the 49ers gave up 38 on 446 to the Chargers in Week 16. It was only the second time they allowed more than 30 points in a game, and the 446 yards were a season worst.

From a Fantasy perspective, though, their DST still turned in a fine performance thanks to three interceptions, including one that Antoine Bethea returned for a touchdown in the second quarter. The 49ers also had two sacks.

The 49ers DST has scored double-digit Fantasy points in six of the last eight weeks and showed in this one that it's still capable of big numbers even when the defense isn't at its best. Keep it active for a favorable matchup Week 17 against Arizona.

49ers LB Chris Borland placed on injured reserve

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(12/20/14) The 49ers have placed rookie linebacker Chris Borland on season-ending injured reserve with an ankle injury, reports NFL.com. Borland was in the midst of a breakthrough rookie campaign before going down with the injury in Week 15. Nick Moody will likely start the final two games of the season in place of Borland.

Borland appeared in 14 games and posted 107 total tackles, one sack and two interceptions.

49ers' Vic Fangio: Chris Borland unlikely to play again this season

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(12/16/14) 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said Tuesday that "it would be a stretch right now" for rookie linebacker Chris Borland (ankle) to play again this season, per the team's official website. Borland suffered an ankle injury Week 15 against Seattle.

He was in the midst of an impressive rookie campaign, registering 107 tackles, two interceptions and a sack in 14 games.

Report: Ahmad Brooks suffered a dislocated left thumb Sunday

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(12/15/14) 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brookssuffered a dislocated left thumb in a Week 15 defeat to the Seahawks, the Bay Area News Group reports. It remains to be seen if Brooks will be available on Saturday against the Chargers.

49ers defense bounces back, still takes the loss

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(12/14/14) The 49ers defense held up their end of the bargain, but didn't get much help in a 17-7 loss to the Seahawks in Week 15.

The 49ers held the Seahawks to just 290 yards of total offense in the game, including just 138 through the air. They also did a good job pressuring Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, who was sacked five times and intercepted once.

The 49ers DST unit had failed to get to double digits in Fantasy scoring in each of their previous two games, before getting their Sunday. They will look to do so again in Week 16, with the Chargers on the schedule.

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The 49ers DST should once again be a top unit this season, but two key players might be missing early in the year NaVorro Bowman (knee) isn't expected to return to the middle of the season, and Aldon Smith could be facing a suspension. We'll find out when those two will be on the field during training camp, but we still have plenty of confidence in the 49ers DST to make plays. The unit was No. 5 in Fantasy points in a standard league in 2013 with 38 sacks, 18 interceptions, 11 fumble recoveries, five defensive touchdowns and one safety. They held their opponents to 272 points, and this is the third year in a row they have been a Top 5 Fantasy option. We would draft the 49ers with a late-round pick in all leagues. Once the Seahawks DST comes off the board then get ready to draft the 49ers because they are likely the No. 2 unit coming into the season.
(Updated 6/5/14)